Corporate digital responsibility : the influence of digitalisation on sustainable corporate development

Climate change, the loss of biodiversity, increasing pollution, and the constant consumption of natural resources are just some of the many challenges our world is currently facing. Digitalisation has entered almost all areas of our lives. It supports us every day and simplifies our lives. At the same time, however, the digitalisation of our world also harbours massive dangers that we have to face. In recent years, the world's population has grown steadily and terms such as "digitalization" and "sustainability" have become global buzzwords, not only in niche topics but also in major policy and economic areas. Particularly present is the topic of global climate change with its fight, and all its consequences. Digitalisation has a greater impact on the economy and society than is generally assumed. The demand for an overarching social responsibility for our planet and the people who live on it is becoming increasingly relevant, so that all people have a fair chance of a future in social, economic and ecological terms. This paper deals with the current challenges the world is facing, such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, pollution and the constant consumption of natural resources. It highlights the role of digitalisation in our lives: digitalisation supports and simplifies our daily activities, but also poses significant threats that need to be addressed. The work emphasises the importance of taking responsibility for our actions in order to create a more sustainable world and working together to achieve this. This paper encourages reflection that prosperity should not be measured only in terms of financial gains but that solutions, such as sharing, and the circular economy require people who can implement and realise them while rethinking and changing structures. Companies have a responsibility to serve as multipliers by setting a good example. Global challenges, such as meeting basic needs, combating climate change, increasing population growth, and the demand for sustainable consumption and production behaviour, mean that companies must face ecological challenges, as well as social and economic ones. This paper explores the main influencing factors of digitalisation on sustainability from the perspective of German IT companies. It explores the opportunities and threats for the environment, the economy and the society that result from increasing digitalisation. It highlights that there is no second earth ‒ no plan B. The time to declare the road to sustainability as Road to Mainstream is now.